Yarn Along - Inspired

Things have been so very busy here, lately, that there has been little time for new projects - so I have been plodding on at what has possibly become the slowest ripple ever.  I am well over halfway though, and it actually now feels like a blanket covering my knees as I work. It is such fun to see it come together and a great project just to pick up and work a few stitches whenever a spare moment occurs. I am occasionally updating the photos on Ravelry as I go along.
I have been so - so inspired by Selina Lake's utterly gorgeous book, Homespun Style. It is not a 'how to' book, but a collection of inspiring home interiors, using hand crafted items and styles. By the time I had reached page 28, I had identified at least 3 different ideas I could adapt for my own home.  Our house is a rather uninspiring 1970s box bungalow on a working croft, and I do struggle, sometimes, to release its potential, so I am delighted that Selina's book has given me a fresh eye and lots of inspiration to work with.

When Karen was visiting last week, we went shopping - well you do don't you?  In one of my favourite home interior shops in Stornoway, I happened to spot Bazaar Style, by the same author. I flicked through it - put it back - pulled it out again - flicked through - put back and then, just as I was about to pay for my other items, I rushed back to the shelf and retrieved the book.  I am so glad I did, as it has been another fabulous fund of ideas.  I do love the stunning pictures of all those beautiful rooms, and while I realise that they are styled for the camera, and that my lot would soon appropriate all those gorgeous cushions and crochet throws for some game - they make me so happy just to look at them.
Well,anyway, Karen and I headed to a lovely cafe for a drink and a browse though the new book, before nipping across the bridge to the charity shops, our eyes wide open for potential projects.

And here it is - a wooden stool (£3).  Just what I need to sit by the telephone table in the hall.  It has been painted, or stained a kind of browny - orangey colour, and was hiding away in a corner.  Just the thing!  Oh my - how those ideas flowed.  How about painting it lipstick red, perhaps with white Nordic style stencilling - or calligraphy?  Or - painted in several different colours, or covered in pretty paper cut-outs - decoupage style?  Topped with a padded colourful cushion?

And also, I do quite like it just as it comes - orange varnish and all.  So, while I make up my mind what to do, I am crocheting a granny square cover for it using some of my yarn stash, and dreaming of all the other projects I can be up to.
See what projects everyone else is dreaming up this week over at Ginny's Yarn Along.